Alside Siding Reviews
In general, vinyl siding receives positive reviews from homeowners because of its durability, easy upkeep, value, low maintenance cost, appearance, and versatile styles. Vinyl Siding is the most popular type of exterior cladding in America for new homes and for replacement siding. Alside is the brand of choice for replacement siding and trim made to match existing siding. Alside manufactures a wide selection of vinyl siding products: soffit, fascia, decorative accents, and trims. Their color selection is unmatched.
We scoured the internet for Alside vinyl siding reviews and will summarize what we have found for the following categories:
Maintenance
Reviews indicate that homeowners are generally more than pleased by the low maintenance of vinyl siding, especially when compared to wood or brick. The only negative we found was that the slight texture that gives Alside Vinyl Siding such an authentic look catches some dirt and debris, like real wood. However, cleaning vinyl siding is easy because the nonporous surface is not ‘sticky.’ Dirt stays on the surface of the siding so simply hosing it down (not even with a pressure washer) will do the trick. We feel that this minor inconvenience is well worth it for the authentic look. You will never have to re-paint Alside Vinyl Siding. The warranty actually includes fade protection.
Value
Alside Siding is less expensive than other siding options (particularly wood and brick) and you can expect to recoup more of its cost upon selling than for other siding materials. According to Remodeling magazine’s ‘2013 Cost vs. Value Report,’ the average cost recouped for replacement vinyl siding is 72.9%. Part of the value of Alside Vinyl Siding is associated with its inherent energy efficiency. Several reviews note decreased energy costs: one cites a 35% decrease over a 6 month period.
Colors and Style
In terms of style and color, Alside Vinyl Siding consistently receives high reviews. The performance-engineered copolymer compound unique to Alside vinyl siding offers a wider spectrum of colors, and richer colors’all of which resist scratches, fading, and saltwater/chemical weathering. We couldn’t say it better ourselves, so we will quote a review, ‘Extensive does not begin to explain [the selection of colors]. They were closer to infinite, and we matched the feel, the style, and the personality of the house perfectly. The selection of accessory products for doors, windows, corners and other key accent areas was very, very large as well, which is great because given the odd, unusual, often difficult design of our early post modern home, that is very often an issue which we face. (source)
We agree that Alside’s line of vinyl siding products is extensive to say the least. Alside vinyl siding colors range from classic hues to architectural reds and blues to variegated colors that recreate the look of cedar. For suburban homes, we recommend selecting colors that harmonize with the surrounding natural elements and overall neighborhood aesthetic. Another favorite design tip from Alside is to choose colors based on the size of your home. A cohesive color scheme will make a small home appear larger, but one color pop adds interest. For large homes, color variations help move the eye across the home and bring attention to architectural details.
Warranty
Warranty issues are the most commonly noted negatives across Alside Vinyl Siding Reviews, but we don’t necessarily agree with the complaints. Alside’s Warranty, like most warranties, covers only manufacturing defects: they will cover all costs to replace or repair products that blister, corrode, flake, or peel as a ‘direct result of defects occurring in the manufacturing process under normal use and service.’ Installation and labor costs are not included. A number of unhappy reviewers attempted to install Alside siding themselves and the complaints came from these individuals. Slow, improper installation techniques can leave the materials exposed to the elements and cause permanent damage. For instance, one must account for the siding’s propensity to move ” in any direction as it adjusts to the local climate. One must also verify that the walls are breathable. Putting insulation on the outside of exterior walls (under the siding) can case the underlying walls to rot and deform. When the foundation of the wall is damaged, so is everything that is attached to it, including the siding. These installation errors would negatively affect any siding material and are not unique to Alside’s product.
Another common complaint was the difficulty of the installation. Alside’s Prodigy Vinyl Siding has a special locking mechanism that is designed to increase the durability of the siding. This mechanism makes the installation more difficult for DIY’ers who are unfamiliar with the system, but if you read Alside Vinyl Siding Reviews on durability, you will understand the benefits. Once an installer understands how to work with the interlocking mechanism, it can make installation no more difficult than other siding systems.
Bottom-line: Installing vinyl siding is more complicated than many people think. If you don’t have the tools, manpower, or experience, you should hire experienced CT roofing and siding contractors to do the project right. Hiring professional contractors is particularly important because only these experts understanding our climate. Remember from earlier posts that understnading the vapor profile of the entire wall system is the key to a successful installation. If you are determined to DIY, see our vinyl siding installation guide for moisture control, and review: The Anatomy of a Wall, but remember that improper installation can void warranties. Siding companies in Connecticut have experience with different vinyl siding manufacturers. Find contractors that have experience with Alside. For contractors in CT, call Fiderio & Sons.
Durability
Alside Siding Reviews for durability are strong (pun intended.) Homeowners hail the resistance to denting and scratching, even during fierce storms. The locking mechanism that makes the siding more difficult to put on also makes it more difficult to tear off, even during extreme winds and storms. Reviews from homeowners recognize the quiet that Alside Siding brings. This is due to the secure fastening that prevents rattling, as well as the foam backing, which adds sound insulation. Contractors describe how the progressive glue backing allows for size fluctuations, increasing the durability of the entire panel. Another positive note under the category of durability is water-resistance. Contractors in CT recommend vinyl siding because it is inherently more water-resistant than brick or wood. Alside Vinyl Siding meets the ASTM D3679 certification (indicating long-term viability) as well as the ASTM D6864 color retention standard.
Conclusion
We have reviewed the best vinyl siding manufacturers and we place Alside in the top three. Reviews of Alside Siding indicate that the only major complaints relate to the installation difficulties encountered by amateurs. When installed by professionals, customers are pleased with the product, particularly its aesthetic. Alside puts no limit on design for vinyl siding. To ensure a proper installation, call the contractors in CT with over 39 years of experience. Check out our vinyl siding guide specific to New England!
